2 Chronicles 6
In his dedication address and prayer, King Solomon looked in five different directions.
He looked back (1–11). He recalled how God chose him to build the temple.
He looked up (12–21). He asked God to fulfill the covenant promises He had made with David. The covenant included the coming into this world of the Son of David, Jesus Christ, who was born of the house of David.
He looked ahead (22–31). Solomon asked God to help His people in various trials of life, particularly to forgive them when they sinned. Coming to the temple, or looking toward the temple, and praying to God would bring them forgiveness. In this chapter, there are numerous references to prayer.
He looked around (32–35). The king called on God to help the Gentiles. The temple was to be “a house of prayer for all nations” (
He looked within (36–40). He ended his prayer by pleading for forgiveness for sinning Israel. His words must have been very meaningful to the Jews taken captive to Babylon four centuries later.
The temple is gone, but the record of that great day of dedication remains to encourage and bless God’s people. Read the chapter again, and note the promises you can claim today. In his closing prayer (vv. 41–42), Solomon asked God to bless everybody present: the priests, the people, and himself as God’s anointed king. But any blessing that came would result from God’s mercy and His promises to David. David could not build the temple or attend the dedication service, but he was there just the same!